Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  As Honest as I can write... - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By darealreview - April 17 - 11:15 am

  I bought this car with 256000kms (159000 miles) on the car and finally bought a new car. It currently has 320000 kms (199000 miles). Ill be honest, Ive never driven a brand new Prelude, but from what I can see, considering the milage was high, it still booted, vtecd, and sound like a fast sportscar. from 256000 to 320000 kms, i only worried about oil changes and gas. i had a couple of small things that had to be changed - fan belt, rotors, and exhaust. These are all maintenance issues. This car is a soldier, and I abused the hell out of the car, and it just wont die. It is rusty as hell, and so now that I bought my new car, my prelude satisfies the carefree in me.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By m_n_mcandy - April 17 - 10:53 am

  I didnt make the decision to purchase this car. It was the only car on the lot that fit my budget, I didnt even like the color (red) but I had no choice. However, I have not been disappointed, other than the low front bumper that I had to get repaired twice. (at no cost). I just recently took my littel red car to PA from VA. She did great!!! I filled up my tank once going and once leaving, without stopping for gas I made it to my destinations leaving 1/4 tank of gas. She drove smoothly, kept up with the flow of traffic, and I was comfortable because of the space in the car.

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  I am soooooo sorry I bought this car. - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By ihatethiscar - April 17 - 6:25 am

  I hate this car. I bought it on an impulse and am sorry I did. I actually waited almost 5 days to go pick it up from the dealership after I had purchased it. I am sure that it is a good car (after all, it IS a Honda), but I swear it is among the ugliest cars on the road - especially the back end. I do not like the car because of its impracticality. Too small, very uncomfortable, slower than I would have expected, noisy interior on the open road. There is also no place to rest your arms. Cup holders cannot accomodate anything too large - definitely a hazard when you are trying to get stuff in and out. My car is for sale and has been since about 3 months after my purchase. Hate it.

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  Seems Like Hondas Getting Worse - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By aecko - April 16 - 1:46 pm

  Honda used to mean reliability. Now not as much, maybe that is a better reason to get an Acura. My 2012 Pilot EXL with 70 miles (yes first week) is having an ignition problem. When you turn the key to turn the car on, it cranks then struggles and sometimes dies sometimes starts. The second time I try it typically starts. Not sure that the resolution will be, will post an update if possible.

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  No tranny problems here. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By weigel5 - April 16 - 1:17 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and sold it about a year ago. It was a great vehicle for the 11yrs we owned it. Only consistent problem was the passenger automatic sliding doors would get out of alignment every other year or so. It also developed a slight oil leak (very slight) as in one to five drops per week (estimate) never actually counted the droplets on a weekly basis. I only hope the new owners have as good of an experience with this vehicle as we did.

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  Driving the new 2012 Honda Civic LX 4dr sedan - 2012 Honda Civic
  By danny3826 - April 16 - 5:54 am

  I just bought a new 2012 Civic LX from Norm Reeves Honda in Cerritos, California. [non-permissible content removed] Now about my new car. It is so good looking, and it is so wonderful to drive. I researched many vehicles through Consumer Reports and Edmunds and also Kelly Blue Book, and I wasnt quite sure. However, I am in love with how it drives. It is so right for me. I wanted fun, and I got fun. I wanted economy, and I got economy. I wanted a great looking vehicle, and I got that too.

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  Cant Wait to Sell It - 2008 Honda Accord
  By megake02 - April 15 - 9:01 pm

  Our 1998 Accord Coupe was a better car - didnt need a repair until 185k. This car has proven to be reliable with nearly 80k on it (first set of brakes had to be replaced at 35k but second set it still fine at 45k). Changing lanes on the left side is downright scary due to very poor visibility and acceleration is poor. I live in congested NJ and you have to gun it to merge onto the highways and the 4 cyl doesnt cut it. The paint quality is also poor. I get the car hand washed monthly but I have two rust spots already. I see older dark colored Accords with faded paint and I am concerned The plan is to trade it in just before 100k so I can avoid replacing the timing belt and tires.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nustar47 - April 15 - 2:51 pm

  I have always been a Honda fan and it was the first car I considered when I downsized from 07 Infiniti M35 (I miss my baby). This car has been a disappointment. Noisy and shaking over 60mph. Sound system is ok. It has lots of room but I just cant get into it. Kinda regretting purchase. Bluetooth wont pair to phone.

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  CRV Tires are Junk - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By newmanrn - April 12 - 6:41 pm

  I purchased this CRV in May 2011, after 8,000 miles we got a vibration from the rear of the car. At 23,000 it was so bad I had to replace the tires with still half the tread left. When they pulled the rear tires, there were flat spots so big, the bounced up and down when they rolled them over to the tire changer machine. There was a 4" wide flat spot across the tires. It came with the Bridgestone Dueler HT470 tires. These tires are junk. Another item that disturbes me is the oil is constantly dirty. I started with using the oil life indicator for oil changes, but the oil was so black, I moved it up to 3,000 miles and it is still dirty. Even with the software update it is still bad.

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  Tires burst easily on tiny tires - 2011 Honda Fit
  By bbillyo - April 12 - 5:07 pm

  2 blowouts in a few months. $170 a pop. Get a better car.